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Onchain lending pools: a cautionary take on risks

Caution Urged as Users Face Liquidation in Onchain Lending Pools | The Risks of Crypto-Backed Loans

By

Liam Johnson

Apr 10, 2025, 01:07 PM

Edited By

David Wong

2 minutes of reading

A visual representation of onchain lending pools with elements symbolizing risk, caution, and finance in the crypto space.
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A growing number of participants in the Ethereum community are raising red flags over onchain lending pools. Users are increasingly vocal about their experiences of liquidation, calling for more responsible recommendations as the popularity of these platforms rises.

Promoted as formidable applications showcasing the power of smart contracts, onchain lending protocols, while innovative, have stirred controversy. Many users who initially entered with conservative loan-to-value (LTV) ratios report hostile liquidation events. "I’ve never been liquidated before in the past five years," one user stated confidently, yet they stand in stark contrast to the experiences of those who’ve faced steep losses in recent months.

Understanding the Risks of Onchain Lending

With Ethereum’s fluctuating market, even once considered conservative plays have been caught in financial turmoil. Currently, Ether’s price has plummeted 65% in just four months, raising questions about the reliability of lending strategies under volatile conditions. While some users assert their safety measures, not everyone has fared equally well. As one commenter put it: "Who gets their ETH when a liquidation happens?" This highlights the precariousness of borrowing against assets that can change value dramatically overnight.

The community sentiment appears mixed; while some users express confidence in their strategies, others are calling for a reassessment of how onchain lending is presented to newcomers. With the potential for high leverage, many advocate for clearer warnings: "It’s still leverage trading, and arguably a gamble, so don’t put too much in."

Key Themes in the Community Discourse

  • Liquidation Risks: Many users are questioning traditional views on collateralizing loans, especially with non-Bitcoin assets.

  • User Experience: A significant divide exists within the user base where some thrive while others face liquidation; this inconsistency stirs further debate.

  • Institutional Responsibility: Users urge lending platforms to take a bolder stance on educating borrowers about inherent risks.

"These whales that were recently liquidatedβ€”who’s making money off these people in the DEFI Casino?"

Current Community Impact and Perspectives

As discussions unfold, there's a palpable push for a more cautious approach toward recommending lending pools, particularly regarding fresh entrants eager to capitalize on crypto. The sentiment amongst users heavily leans towards urging a shift in communication strategy from these lending protocols, highlighting the need for clearer guidelines and risk assessments.

Insights to Note

  • πŸ”Ή Nearly every reported liquidation involved borrowers leveraging their crypto

  • πŸ”Ή The call for user education on the risks of leverage persists

  • πŸ”Ή "We can recommend liquidation-free products like Alchemix," mentions an experienced investor

As the crypto landscape evolves, placing trust in lending pools without understanding the risks might prove to be more dangerous than anticipated. Users are encouraged to tread carefully, consider their personal limits, and stay informed on the ever-changing environment. For anyone considering entering these markets, prudent approaches and continued dialogue remain crucial.